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DNACPR discussion — DGM MCQ

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ModerateEnd-of-life careDNACPR discussionDGM

A 90-year-old man with severe frailty and advanced COPD is admitted with pneumonia. The team believes CPR would not be clinically successful. He has capacity and asks about escalation decisions. Current medicines include oxygen and antibiotics. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Discuss CPR decision and overall treatment goals with him

When a patient has capacity, CPR decisions and treatment goals should be discussed sensitively unless discussion would cause serious harm. Secret decisions, bypassing the patient, presenting CPR unrealistically and age-based avoidance are inappropriate. DNACPR is about CPR, not a ceiling on all active treatment.

Reference: GMC end-of-life guidance; NICE NG31